Page 151 of Mercy Written in Blood

"No vehicles," Ken said.

Reina checked the windows. Most had been painted over from inside. One pane near the roof had been broken.

"No sound," she said.

Haruki looked towards the Accord sedan. It had stopped at the end of the access road. No one exited.

"They're waiting," Ken said.

"For us to make the mistake first," Reina replied.

Haruki opened the van door. Cold air entered.

"So let's disappoint them."

Ken caught his sleeve.

"Boss."

Haruki looked down at the hand. Ken released him.

"If this is a trap—"

"It is."

"That wasn't reassuring."

"It wasn't meant to be."

Reina stepped out on the other side. Daisuke followed. They approached in a staggered line — Daisuke took the front, Reina covered the windows, Ken watched the roofs and alleys. Haruki remained behind them, which everyone had agreed upon before leaving and no one trusted him to maintain.

The warehouse door moved slightly in the wind. The open padlock struck the metal frame with a small, irregular sound.

Clink. Pause. Clink.

Haruki became aware of how empty the district was. No machinery. No distant engines. No birds. Even the river seemed too far away to hear.

Daisuke reached the door. He examined the lock without touching it.

"Recently opened."

"How recently?" Haruki asked.

"Hard to say."

Ken crouched near the ground.

"Tyre marks."

Haruki moved closer. Several parallel tracks crossed the dirt outside the entrance. Heavy vehicles. At least two. The impressions remained dark with moisture.

"Before the rain stopped," Ken said.

"That was around four," Reina replied.

Haruki looked at his watch. 6:58. Less than three hours. Possibly much less.

Daisuke drew his pistol. Reina did the same. Ken opened the door.